On the shortcomings and deficiencies of the ‘Amnesty Law” in Venezuela

B100226/2026

European Parliament resolution on the shortcomings and deficiencies of the ‘Amnesty Law” in Venezuela

(2026/2704(RSP))

The European Parliament,

- having regard to Rule 150(5) of its Rules of Procedure,

whereas Venezuela faces deep social, economic, political crises, resulting in a humanitarian emergency with over 8 million Venezuelans forcedly displaced;

whereas the EU rejected the democratic legitimacy of President Nicolas Maduro and has consistently condemned the violation of human rights and democratic guarantees in Venezuela;

whereas, on the 3 January 2026, after months of interference, the U.S. conducted an unauthorised and illegal military intervention across Venezuela, culminating in the abduction of Maduro and his wife;

whereas the Venezuelan Supreme Court, under the Venezuelan Constitution, appointed Delcy Rodríguez as “interim president”;

whereas, since then, Venezuela’s National Assembly has approved normative reforms showing certain, though insufficient, political and economic openness, including the Amnesty Law for Democratic Coexistence of 19 February 2026; whereas this law foresees the release of civilian, political and military actors imprisoned, with or without criminal conviction, excludes those involved in serious human rights’ violations, crimes against humanity and war crimes as the Venezuelan Constitution and international guidelines establish, but also corruption, drug trafficking, intentional homicide, severe injuries and foreign-led actions against sovereignty, lacking clear criteria for their implementation; whereas, on 23 April 2026, Rodríguez declared this law’s implementation as concluded, announcing alternative justice mechanisms for remaining claims;

whereas the EU maintains targeted sanctions, including an arms embargo, travel bans, and asset freezes on 69 individuals responsible for serious violations of human rights, democracy and the rule of law in Venezuela;

whereas the Venezuelan people deserve a peaceful, democratic and self-determined future;

Recalls that, under all circumstances, international law, including the UN Charter, must be upheld and condemns in the strongest terms the U.S. military interference in Venezuela;

Recalls that a solution to the Venezuelan crises can only be led by the Venezuelan people, requires the release of all remaining political prisoners and an inclusive dialogue leading to democratic elections, with guarantees overseen by independent institutions;

Welcomes the release of numerous political prisoners under the Venezuelan Amnesty Law, but regrets that claims for a full, transparent and consistent implementation of this law, allowing for its independent monitoring, have not been met;

recalls that it remains essential to foresee accountability and reparation mechanism in line with international human rights law and international criminal law, and hold those responsible for serious human rights´ violations, crimes against humanity and war crimes accountable, through judicial processes with due guarantees;

Calls the EU, its Member States and international organisations to continue providing humanitarian assistance to those Venezuelans in need, while using all diplomatic, legal and financial tools available to support democratic and socio-economic reforms in Venezuela, including urgent institutional reforms as essential as the judicial and the electoral institutions, to ensure guarantees for a peaceful and democratic transition and a sustainable prosperity for all Venezuelans;

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the VP/HR, the Member States, and the authorities of Venezuela.